In late January 1847, Santa Anna led an army of more than 20,000 men toward Saltillo to meet Taylor’s mostly volunteer army of 4,700. As the first shots were exchanged late February 21, the Arkansans burned supplies at camp before joining Taylor’s army. It was midday February 22 when Santa Anna’s 15,000 remaining men took position, attempting to outflank the smaller American army.

The Arkansas volunteers were split into three groups. Four companies moved left to meet Mexican forces, but there was limited fighting before dark when Santa Anna reinforced the area. The ranks held until an Indiana colonel called retreat, causing volunteers to make a wild dash toward Saltillo.
When 2,000 Mexican cavalry threatened wagons near Buena Vista, Yell and his Kentucky counterpart took their cavalry, about 400 strong, and charged. Yell was killed by lancers. The charge split the Mexican forces, however, and ended that attack. Pike’s squadron was held in reserve the entire time.

Cold, tired, and hungry, Santa Anna’s army marched south the next morning.